What is Ham?
According to the USDA, ham “is the cured leg of pork.” It’s a hind leg cut that can be bone-in or bone-out and cured or uncured. Ham is made around the world, with different curing processes and flavors. In general, ham has a salty taste and is used as a main ingredient in many dishes.
Ham Nutrition and Facts
Ham is a good source of protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B12. A three-ounce serving of ham also has about 17 grams of fat, most of which is saturated. Ham is also high in sodium and cholesterol.
While ham is not the healthiest food, it can be a part of a balanced diet. When choosing ham, look for one that is lower in sodium and has “ham” as the only ingredient. Ham is usually sold spiral-sliced, which makes it easy to serve.
How to Smoke Ham on a Pellet Grill
The best possible smoked ham on a pellet grill starts with the best ingredients, which means choosing a ham with no water added or just cured in its natural juices. Water will just dilute the flavor.
For our ham recipes, we recommend a Z Grills 1000D pellet grill temperature of 225℉. While this is heating up, you should score your ham and dry it off. Then just place it on the grill and let the magic happen!
How to Season a Ham
We all have our preferences when it comes to ham seasonings, but we’ve found dijon mustard, black pepper, brown sugar, or ginger are excellent choices.
How Long to Smoke a Ham
Wondering how long to smoke a ham? We recommend giving it 10-12 minutes per pound, so you’re looking at a range of one and a half to two hours for a 10-pound cut. Just remember that how long to smoke a ham can be a personal preference, and this is a rough estimate.
How Much Ham Per Person
You might have some guests with rather large appetites, or even the opposite could be true, but you certainly never want to run out prematurely.
Our tip for how much ham per person is roughly ½ a pound. However, if you want to play it safe, and likely need some leftover ham ideas later, go for ¾ of a pound.
What to Do With Leftover Ham: Leftover Ham Ideas
If you’re in need of some leftover ham ideas, you’ve come to the right place. There are tons of options out there to get the most out of your smoked ham.
- Ham and Bean Soup –Try making this for something simple and quick that can be eaten anytime.
- Ham Sandwich – Always a favorite, use your leftover ham to make breakfast sandwiches with egg and an English muffin.
Top Ham Recipes
At Z Grills, we’ve got some stellar ham recipes that are sure to please. Have a look at our top picks below.
Side Dishes for Ham
Unfortunately, man cannot live on ham alone. Try these succulent side dishes to wow your guests.
Double Smoked Ham with Cherry Glaze
Equipment
- Z Grills 11002B Pellet Grill with Wi-Fi
- Z Grills Cherry Wood Pellets
Ingredients
- 1 Spiral ham bone in smoked
For the Cherry Bourban Ham Glaze
- 1 can 21oz Cherry Pie Filling and Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cherry coke
- 3 TBS Bourbon
- 1 TBS Heath Riles Cherry Rub
- 3 TBS Honey
Instructions
- After removing your ham from the package, take time to dry it off with paper towels.
- Add Heath Riles Cherry Rub on all sides of the ham.
- To start, place your ham cut-side-down on a wire rack and smoke until it reaches an internal temperature of 120F. This should take approximately 3 hours.
- Smoke the ham at 275F until the internal temperature reaches 120F.
- Prepare your glaze. Do this by combining brown sugar, cherry coke, and apple bourbon in a saucepan. Allow the ingredients to simmer at low, then add your Heath Riles Cherry Rub and honey while continuing to simmer the mixture. Finally, add your cherry pie filling and reduce it by half, which should take roughly 15 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and add it to the grill for a smoked flavor, then use it when the ham reaches 120F internally.
- When the ham reaches the right temperature, start glazing the ham and turn it 180 degrees.
- Glaze the ham every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140F.
- Rest the ham for up to 20 minutes and serve!
Video
Best Wood Pellets for Smoking Ham
For the best wood pellets for smoking ham, look no further than Z Grills quality wood pellets. Our pellets are known for their superior performance, with a variety of flavors to choose from. With oak, fruitwood, and apple, your ham is sure to be smoked to perfection and tantalizing taste buds!
